HANDS OFF OUR GAFFER

From Back Page move. Bowie revealed there have been no approaches for the manager – and told supporters their gaffer will be in charge of Killie next season.

Clarke’s stock has shot through the roof with the ex-West Brom and Fulham boss turning Killie from relegation strugglers to top-six high fliers in less than six months in the hotseat.

He made it a double over Rangers with their victory at Ibrox on Saturday and has also taken Celtic’s scalp in a run of five games unbeaten against the Old Firm.

The weekend masterclass at Ibrox prompted calls the Light Blues should be targeting Clarke as their next permanent manager with interim boss Graeme Murty in place until the end of the season.

But Bowie has issued a hands-off warning and the majority shareholder told Record Sport: “There’s been a lot of speculation but let’s nip this in the bud.

“Steve signed a two-anda-half year contract and as far as we are concerned he will be here next season.

“That’s it. There seems to be all this talk as if he’s definitely going here, there and everywhere in the summer as if it’s a done deal.

“Far from it. We heard it before and this week it’s Rangers. No one mentions little old Kilmarnock.

“It was the same at the weekend. It’s all very well taking about how Rangers played but not as much about the outstanding Kilmarnock performance.

“I understand people might be looking at the job he is doing though.

“But we are trying to build something here and Steve is a huge part of it. He has never once mentioned anything about going anywhere and is completely focused on his job.”

Bowie was confident Clarke would turn around their fortunes but admitted he’s been stunned by the level of success Jose Mourinho’s former righthand man has enjoyed.

Killie were toiling at the foot of the table when the ex-Chelsea and Liverpool assistant arrived but cemented their place in the top six after the split with Saturday’s Ibrox win.

He’s also galvanised the support with 9000 in Rugby Park for last week’s Scottish Cup defeat by Aberdeen.

Bowie is adamant this is just the start as the club has big plans including a new training facility and a fanzone at the stadium.

He added: “We knew we were bringing in a top manager but I don’t think anyone expected the kind of impact Steve has made.

“It’s been unbelievable, to secure a top-six place so soon is a terrific achievement. The season is far from finished and the next target is fourth.

“Who knows, we could even get a couple of trips in to Europe next season. There are plans for the future and Steve has a big role to play.”